Privacy Policy
VELA is a navigation app. We need to know where you are to do our job. Here's exactly what that means — what we collect, what we don't, and who sees what.
Who This Applies To
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the VELA iOS app developed by i6 Developments ("i6dev", "we", "us"). It explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use VELA.
VELA is intended for users aged 17 and older. If you believe a minor is using VELA without parental consent, contact us at hello@i6dev.com.
What We Collect
VELA is designed to collect the minimum needed to work well. Here's the breakdown:
| Data | Why | Stored where |
|---|---|---|
| Precise location | Generating routes, delivering narration at the right moment, scouting for sidequests | On-device during the session. Route coordinates sent to our servers to generate routes. |
| Route history | Showing your saved journeys, generating narrative threads, writing dispatches | Your iCloud account (Apple CloudKit). We cannot access this directly. |
| App preferences | Storing your voice choice, category preferences, and settings | On-device (UserDefaults). Not transmitted to our servers. |
| Destination & origin | Generating routes and narration via our AI pipeline | Sent to our servers when you request a route. Not logged or retained after the request completes. |
| App usage analytics | Understanding how the app is used to improve it | We do not collect usage analytics or crash reports through third-party tracking SDKs. |
We do not collect: your name, email address, advertising identifiers, social graph, contacts, photos, or any data unrelated to navigation and route generation.
Location Data
Location is the core of what VELA does. Here's how we handle it specifically:
- During navigation. Your location is used in real time on-device to track your position on the map and trigger narration at the right moment. This data is not transmitted unless needed to generate a sidequest offer.
- At route generation. Your origin coordinates and destination are sent to our servers to generate routes and narration. These are used to complete the request and are not retained in identifiable form after the response is returned.
- Background location. VELA uses location in the background so navigation continues when the screen is locked. This is disclosed in the iOS permission prompt and is required for the app to function during a drive.
- We do not sell your location data. Ever. To anyone.
Third-Party Services
VELA uses the following third-party services to function. Each receives limited data necessary for their role:
- Mapbox. Receives your route coordinates and current position to render the map and provide turn-by-turn directions. Mapbox Privacy Policy →
- Apple WeatherKit. Receives your location to return weather conditions. Subject to Apple's privacy policies and handled through the WeatherKit framework. Apple Privacy Policy →
- OpenAI. Receives your origin, destination, and corridor coordinates to generate route narration and place descriptions. Data is processed to complete the request and is subject to OpenAI's data usage policies for API customers. We have a data processing agreement in place. OpenAI Privacy Policy →
- ElevenLabs. Receives narration text to synthesize speech audio. ElevenLabs Privacy Policy →
- Supabase. Our backend infrastructure. Processes route generation requests. Hosted in the United States. Supabase Privacy Policy →
- Apple CloudKit. Stores your saved journeys and route history in your personal iCloud account. i6dev cannot access this data directly — it belongs to you and lives in your Apple account. Apple Privacy Policy →
No advertising SDKs, analytics platforms, or tracking networks are embedded in VELA.
Your Subscription Data
VELA Pro subscriptions are handled entirely by Apple through the App Store. We do not process or store your payment information, billing address, or Apple ID. Subscription status is verified through Apple's StoreKit framework on your device.
To manage, change, or cancel your subscription: open the App Store → tap your profile → Subscriptions.
Data Retention and Deletion
Most of VELA's data lives on your device or in your iCloud account. You are in control of it.
- Route history. Stored in your iCloud account. Delete it from within VELA or by removing the app's iCloud data in iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Account Storage.
- App preferences. Removed when you delete the app.
- Server-side request data. Route generation requests are not retained in identifiable form after the response is delivered. Server logs may retain IP addresses for up to 30 days for security purposes.
To request deletion of any data we may hold: email hello@i6dev.com with the subject line "Data Deletion Request." We will respond within 30 days.
Children's Privacy
VELA is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly. Contact us at hello@i6dev.com if you have concerns.
California Residents (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to:
- Know what personal information we collect and how it is used
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell it)
- Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@i6dev.com.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as VELA evolves. When we make material changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top and, where appropriate, notify you within the app. Continued use of VELA after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
Privacy questions, data requests, or anything else — we read everything.
hello@i6dev.com
i6 Developments · Dayton, Ohio